My niece Leila is 14 years old and ever since her mom (my brother's wife) passed away, I've been there for her and I have loved her like my own child. She got her first period when she was 13 and she recently asked me if she could use tampons instead of pads because she wants to join the school swimteam next year.

I've heard rumours that if you use tampons, you aren't a virgin anymore. My mom told me that when I was Leila's age and I obeyed her. I didn't use tampons until college, a couple months after I lost my virginity.

Of course, times have changed since then, but I still have my doubts.

What do you guys think? Does using tampons mess up a young girl's virginity?

First off, it's not that big of an issue anymore, like it was in those times.....due to ignorance, proof of virginity was an intact hymen. We know now that several physical aspects, plus daily activities can affect the condition of the hymen, and let's face it, virgin brides are (unfortunately) a rarity in today's world.

I don't know about you, but IMO, a virgin is a girl whose vagina has not been penetrated by a penis at the very least. At the strictest level, a virgin is a girl who has never been past a kiss. It all depends on the individual (the girl and the partner, basically).

Using feminine hygiene products has nothing to do with sexual purity.....it's no different than putting a Q tip in your ear to remove wax.

Virginity is lost when having sex not using products for hygiene. I think best option would be to talk to her doctor about it just to reassure everyone. Most girls lose the hymen during sports or riding horses/bicycles.